Rate "Seven Years In Tibet"!

[Josh500 1,602]

Score: 5 stars

Movie: 3.5 stars

Memoirs of a Geisha

The concert piece "Seven Years In Tibet" is absolutely amazing, gorgeous beyond words. Also, "Regaining a Son." (The score gets 5 stars just because of these 2 tracks.) The rest of the score... well, IMO, it's a little underwhelming, as a separate listening experience. But that's not necessarily JW's fault, and it works very well within the movie. I think this is just the kind of movie which almost requires "difficult," hard-to listen, introspective music. Kinda like Saving Private Ryan. Still, again, the main melody is very original and memorable, quite unforgettable. This makes it an instant classic, kinda like what "Hymn to the Fallen" does to Saving Private Ryan.

I prefer Memoirs of a Geisha by a very slight margin. (Mainly due to "The Chairman's Waltz," "Going to School," "Confluence," and "Sayuri's Theme.")

[Koray Savas 2,095]

5 stars because it has 2 good tracks and a memorable theme. That definitely can't describe any other score.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

A mostly boring score.

Never seen the film.

[Josh500 1,602]

5 stars because it has 2 good tracks and a memorable theme. That definitely can't describe any other score.

Saving Private Ryan.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

That has one good track that is reprised

[Josh500 1,602]

I consider "Omaha Beach" (almost) just as good...

[Bryant Burnette 451]

Josh, are you incapable of liking a score without feeling the need to give it five stars?

[Josh500 1,602]

Josh, are you incapable of liking a score without feeling the need to give it five stars?

Sure.

[Wojo 2,442]

I love the main theme to Seven Years in Tibet but I can't get very far into the score without switching to something else.

I doubt I'll see the movie.

[John Crichton 4]

A mostly boring score.

Never seen the film.

Correctomundo. It's one of the very few Williams scores that I can't find something to interest me.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

5 stars because it has 2 good tracks and a memorable theme. That definitely can't describe any other score.

Saving Private Ryan.

I was being sarcastic. If I used your logic every Hans Zimmer score would be 5 stars.

[Josh500 1,602]

5 stars because it has 2 good tracks and a memorable theme. That definitely can't describe any other score.

Saving Private Ryan.

I was being sarcastic. If I used your logic every Hans Zimmer score would be 5 stars.

There's your problem right there. You can't explain one's taste with logic.

Not even yours.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

I'm not talking about taste, I'm talking about the criteria you use to rate a score. Two good tracks + Memorable theme = Instant classic 5 star score better than everything else.

[Josh500 1,602]

I'm not talking about taste, I'm talking about the criteria you use to rate a score. Two good tracks + Memorable theme = Instant classic 5 star score better than everything else.

You're wrong.

We have a different definition of "5 stars." For you, 5 stars means it has to be the best, period (so, for you, a Hans Zimmer score, as likely as not). For me, 5 stars means it's just very very good, and there are many of those.

Besides, I said the score works very well within the movie, didn't I? That's another criteria.

[Romão 1,931]

It is a 5 star score, precisely because there is much more to it than just two tracks. Tracks like Leaving Ingrid, Aproaching the Summit and Heinrich's Odissey are just stunning. I would even go as far as to say that the theme than opens Leaving Ingrid (which I assume is Heirich's theme) is one of the most moving JW compositions

[Koray Savas 2,095]

5 stars doesn't mean that it has to be the best, to me, because then there would only be one. You hand them out like candy on Halloween. I bet you would give JW an Oscar for every one of his nominations.

[Josh500 1,602]

5 stars doesn't mean that it has to be the best, to me, because then there would only be one. You hand them out like candy on Halloween.

Look at the other polls. I give MANY JW scores less than 5 stars.

And anyway, what's wrong with that? You admire Hans Zimmer!

[John Crichton 4]

[Josh500 1,602]

"Leaving Ingrid"

[Koray Savas 2,095]

5 stars doesn't mean that it has to be the best, to me, because then there would only be one. You hand them out like candy on Halloween.

Look at the other polls. I give MANY JW scores less than 5 stars.

And anyway, what's wrong with that? You admire Hans Zimmer!

I love how everyone here thinks Hans Zimmer is my favorite composer and Michael Bay is my favorite director.

You officially beat out KM for the #1 spot of JWFanboy.

[Wojo 2,442]

You gotta have some to go with that popcorn.

What's the fascination around here with giving scores any number of stars? Is it empowering to say this excellent Williams score is 5 stars, while this good Williams score is 5 stars, while this so-so-barely-listenable Williams score over there is only 5 stars?

Something funny goin' on around here with the math.

[Josh500 1,602]

5 stars doesn't mean that it has to be the best, to me, because then there would only be one. You hand them out like candy on Halloween.

Look at the other polls. I give MANY JW scores less than 5 stars.

And anyway, what's wrong with that? You admire Hans Zimmer!

I love how everyone here thinks Hans Zimmer is my favorite composer and Michael Bay is my favorite director.

You officially beat out KM for the #1 spot of JWFanboy.

Good. That's 1000 times better than being a Hans Zimmer fanboy!

You gotta have some to go with that popcorn.

What's the fascination around here with giving scores any number of stars? Is it empowering to say this excellent Williams score is 5 stars, while this good Williams score is 5 stars, while this so-so-barely-listenable Williams score over there is only 5 stars?

Something funny goin' on around here with the math.

Glad you're enjoying the show.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

Are you in a constant state of laughter?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

It is a 5 star score, precisely because there is much more to it than just two tracks. Tracks like Leaving Ingrid, Aproaching the Summit and Heinrich's Odissey are just stunning. I would even go as far as to say that the theme than opens Leaving Ingrid (which I assume is Heirich's theme) is one of the most moving JW compositions

Oh shut up Merkel, you'd laugh at a Shakespeare comedy!

[John Crichton 4]

[Red 73]

I love how everyone here thinks Hans Zimmer is my favorite composer and Michael Bay is my favorite director.

They're not?

I'm not very familiar with the score or the movie. Of the score I only know of the main suite featuring Yo-Yo Ma, which is great.

[Delorean90 32]

I love how everyone here thinks Hans Zimmer is my favorite composer and Michael Bay is my favorite director.

Perhaps not, but in the case of the former, you are probably the most vocal apologist on the board.

You officially beat out KM for the #1 spot of JWFanboy.

Inconceivable!

[Diego 21]

Josh lacks the passion for unreleased music that KM has. No way he can be #1 JWFanboy.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

I love how everyone here thinks Hans Zimmer is my favorite composer and Michael Bay is my favorite director.

They're not?

FAVORITE DIRECTOR(S): Sergio Leone, Alfred Hitchcock, Terrence Malick, Stanley Kubrick, David Fincher, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Joel Coen

[Ollie 859]

The theme gives this score 4 stars. The rest is somewhat average but still a solid listen.

The film was so-so, 2 stars.

I prefer Geisha.

[publicist 4,484]

The sturm-and-drang theme Williams has concocted for this rates as one of his best, for me anyway (and he never applied Yo-Yo Ma better). There's a european wash over it i definitely prefer over lots of americana stuff he did since then.

The album is much too repetitive, though. Cut it to 45 minutes and you have a great little concert miniature. In the film, it's overbearing pathos - so Annaud (or whomever) cut it to pieces and left only the subdued stuff.

Score: 4

Film: 2

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

4, 3, Memoirs

[Neimoidian 13]

5 stars for the score - it's one of my favourite JW's works. The underscore is restrained at times and demandes lots of attention, hence it may be difficult for average listener, but it pays off. I love the way Williams releases the sounds and then pauses for a while letting them reverberate. Instrumentation is also magnificent - a sublime solo cello, exotic traditional instruments, a solo piano and powerful brass section, all playing together. With this music Williams perfectly captures mysticism of Tibet, grandness of Himalayas and humbleness of Dalai Lama. The theme alone is one of the greatest in the history of motion picture and I enjoy listening to it in all it's variations (each of them is worthy, I think).

I have seen the movie a long time ago and remember it too vaguely to rate it.

I think I prefer Memoirs of a Geisha - it an outstanding score too, but it's also more comfortable to listen.

[mahler3 353]

It is a 5 star score, precisely because there is much more to it than just two tracks. Tracks like Leaving Ingrid, Aproaching the Summit and Heinrich's Odissey are just stunning. I would even go as far as to say that the theme than opens Leaving Ingrid (which I assume is Heirich's theme) is one of the most moving JW compositions

Yes agree with you, what's the name of the cue with those gorgeous chimes / bells, I think it's track 11?

One of Williams best from the '90's, the film however bores me to tears!

Score - 4.5

Film - 2

[Josh500 1,602]

Josh lacks the passion for unreleased music that KM has. No way he can be #1 JWFanboy.

Yes. Although I might have used the word "obsession" here (and I'm not trying to put KM down).

After all, I don't lose any sleep over the fact that the first 3 seconds of "Escape from Venice" are missing...

The album is much too repetitive, though. Cut it to 45 minutes and you have a great little concert miniature. In the film, it's overbearing pathos - so Annaud (or whomever) cut it to pieces and left only the subdued stuff.

This is a criticism I will never be able to understand. If you think an album is too long, just DON'T LISTEN TO THE ONES YOU DON'T LIKE!!! What's the problem?

That's kinda like some millionaires complaining they have too much money...

It is a 5 star score, precisely because there is much more to it than just two tracks. Tracks like Leaving Ingrid, Aproaching the Summit and Heinrich's Odissey are just stunning. I would even go as far as to say that the theme than opens Leaving Ingrid (which I assume is Heirich's theme) is one of the most moving JW compositions

Approaching the Summit is really great (I love the quasi piano-and-cello-duet toward the end), but all the tracks you mentioned are great IMO because they contain the main theme in one of its variations.

Like I said, this is one of the strongest and best themes...

BTW, does anyone like the "funky" Palace Invitation?

[Hlao-roo 388]

This is a criticism I will never be able to understand. If you think an album is too long, just DON'T LISTEN TO THE ONES YOU DON'T LIKE!!! What's the problem?

If that criticism gets your dander up, just DON'T READ IT!!! What's the problem?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

You seem to constanly critisize people who have certain standards and preferences, Josh.

[Josh500 1,602]

You seem to constanly critisize people who have certain standards and preferences, Josh.

No. If somebody said, the music sucks... OK, that's his opinion, and I accept that.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

No, you seem to critisize just about any opinion that does not gel with yours.

That in itself would not be such a problem.

But you seem to go against people who have well-thought out, balanced opinions.

[Josh500 1,602]

No, you seem to critisize just about any opinion that does not gel with yours.

That in itself would not be such a problem.

But you seem to go against people who have well-thought out, balanced opinions.

Well Stefan, what can I say? Everybody has their own opinions.

What do you think of publicst's complaint then? You agree with him?

[Hlao-roo 388]

But you seem to go against people who have well-thought out, balanced opinions.

Aren't those the only opinions worth criticizing?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

I don't know the CD as well as he obviously does. But I think he has a point. Condensing the content is usually a good idea with these John Williams drama scores. Like the flavour of a fine wine is hightened by draining some of the juice during fermentation to get a more focused final product.

I've been listening to film music since I was in my early teens. I've learned that in a lot of cases, more is not always better.

[Josh500 1,602]

I don't know the CD as well as he obviously does. But I think he has a point. Condensing the content is usually a good idea with these John Williams drama scores. Like the flavour of a fine wine is hightened by draining some of the juice during fermentation to get a more focused final product.

Well, even if that's true, why complain about it or use it as a criticism? In these cases, it's always better to get MORE for your money than LESS. For example, do you complain when you get a feature on your bonus DVD that you hate? No, you just don't watch it!

You just don't use what you don't need or want... however, others might like it.

I've been listening to film music since I was in my early teens.

Welcome to the club!

[Melange 446]

Rate "Seven Years In Tibet"

Rather difficult to breath at times. Lots of Tsampa and frozen Yak cheese, and disposing of the dead was done in a rather novel way. Not to mention the amount of prostrations around the Barkhor.......................Oh, i seeeeeeeeeeee

Montage of the Movie, with Score

Overall, a nice score with fine moments. But I do think that Johnny missed out on many opportunities to bring in the native instrumentation and forms into the score, like Philip Glass did for Kundun (example). With Johnny's score, there seems to be a bit of a Schindler's list hangover going on in the music, to my ear. At times, there are moments in the score where you'd swear they are making a list of people in Lhasa to bring to a artillery shell factory. Nevertheless, still a fine effort from Mr Williams.

[Hlao-roo 388]

I don't know the CD as well as he obviously does. But I think he has a point. Condensing the content is usually a good idea with these John Williams drama scores. Like the flavour of a fine wine is hightened by draining some of the juice during fermentation to get a more focused final product.

I've been listening to film music since I was in my early teens. I've learned that in a lot of cases, more is not always better.

In theory, this may provide for a tighter, more consistent listening experience. In practice, "condensing the product" can be a rather tricky proposition. In that regard, I can sympathize with those who feel that the process should be left in the hands of the consumer.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

We pay an amount of money for a product. It stands to reason that we may have certain demands regarding content, style, presentation, sound quality.

We learn to separate the good from the bad by being critical, by setting certain standards for ourselves, to hold others to certain standards.

Are you American by any chance, Josh?

[Josh500 1,602]

Are you American by any chance, Josh?

What does that have to do with anything?

Yes I am. With Japanese ancestors, I might add.

Are you?

We pay an amount of money for a product. It stands to reason that we may have certain demands regarding content, style, presentation, sound quality.

We learn to separate the good from the bad by being critical, by setting certain standards for ourselves, to hold others to certain standards.

That might be true in general, but like I said "not in these cases."

Who decides what's good or bad when it comes to music? The consumer.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

What does that have to do with anything?

Yes I am. With Japanese ancestors, I might add.

Are you?

That explains a lot. Americans are bred to mistrust people who look beyond the obvious and look for something deeper.

Your McDonalds/Michael Bay culture is not geared towards stimulating you to be critical.

That might be true in general, but like I said "not in these cases."

Why not, we must be critical about everything in life, lest we walk about like open mouth gormless halfwits, accepting everything without question.

Who decides what's good or bad when it comes to music? The consumer.

Ultimatly...yes.

The music of people like Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart is still being performed and listened to after all these centuries because there is a demand for it. The consumer still wants it, still wants to invest his time and money in it.

[Josh500 1,602]

What does that have to do with anything?

Yes I am. With Japanese ancestors, I might add.

Are you?

That explains a lot. Americans are bred to mistrust people who look beyond the obvious and look for something deeper.

Your McDonalds/Michael Bay culture is not geared towards stimulating you to be critical.

And your comment proves that you're an ignorant ass... and I won't say "Dutch," because I don't have any prejudice against foreigners, not even Dutch people.

That might be true in general, but like I said "not in these cases."

Why not, we must be critical about everything in life, lest we walk about like open mouth gormless halfwits, accepting everything without question.

Do you even know what you're talking about? That's exactly the reason why we SHOULD have more music, so each individual can decide for themselves what's good or bad... in other words, be critical.

You just proved my point. Remember, you're the one who claimed less music is better.

[Melange 446]

Looks like it's time for an intermezzo